China is tightening regulation of artificial intelligence (AI) companionship services as virtual relationships grow in popularity, making it the first country to restrict such services at a national level.

The move comes as millions of Chinese users engage with AI chatbots and romance-focused games such as "Love and Deepspace," fueling a digital-human industry worth hundreds of billions of dollars.

Chinese authorities are worried about emotional dependence, social isolation and the impact on real-world relationships and say AI tools should not manipulate users' emotions or replace human connections

Some experts also link the crackdown to broader demographic challenges, including China's aging society, as policymakers encourage young people to build real-life relationships rather than relying on virtual partners.